In this episode of Mindset Matters, recorded at the Psych Congress PA Institute in December 2025, we had the honor of sitting down with Anthony Campanella, PA-C, CAQ-Psychiatry—a psychiatric PA with five years of experience across child, adolescent, and adult psychiatry.

Anthony shares how one inpatient child and adolescent psychiatry rotation—and one patient—changed the course of his career, shifting him from an initial interest in orthopedics to a deeply fulfilling path in mental health care.

We explore what it’s like to care for high-acuity patients, including the use of long-acting injectables, how collaborative care strengthens outcomes, and why combining psychopharmacology with supportive psychotherapy and patient autonomy is essential for long-term success.

Anthony also reflects on self-care, boundaries, and sustainability in psychiatry—and how caring for yourself allows you to show up more fully for patients. This episode is a must-listen for PAs considering psychiatry or anyone navigating career pivots with purpose.

In this episode of The Mindset Matters Podcast, hosts Mercedes Dodge, PA-C, CAQ-Psychiatry, and Jessica Spissinger, PA-C, sit down with Rebecca DePalma, known online as “West Coast PA.” Rebecca shares how one high school talk sparked her lifelong passion for becoming a Physician Assistant and how that early inspiration led her into the field of psychiatry. She discusses her journey from PA school to telepsychiatry practice, the importance of mentorship, and how she now gives back by precepting students and presenting at her former high school to inspire future PAs. Rebecca also talks about her experience co-authoring The First-Line Guide: Psychiatric and Behavioral Medicine to help bridge educational gaps for new clinicians. This conversation explores the evolving role of psychiatric PAs, the tangible impact of mental health care, and the power of mentorship and community within medicine. Whether you’re a PA student, practicing clinician, or someone interested in mental health, this episode offers valuable insight into building a meaningful and sustainable career in psychiatry.

Welcome to The Mindset Matters, the podcast where psychiatry, medicine, and human connection meet — hosted by psychiatric PAs Mercedes Dodge and Jessica Spissinger. In this episode, we explore how Physician Associates are stepping into psychiatry to close the mental health access gap. From the national psychiatrist shortage to post-COVID demand, Mercedes and Jessica break down what it takes to transition from primary care to psychiatric practice. They debunk myths about PA training, discuss fellowship and certification options, and share practical strategies for building competence and confidence in psychiatry. Whether you’re a practicing PA, a student, or a clinician curious about mental health care, this episode will inspire you to see psychiatry through a new lens — one grounded in the medical model, teamwork, and compassion.

Join Mercedes Dodge, PA-C, and Jessica Spissinger, PA-C, in this inspiring Mindset Matters episode featuring Sarah Tatko, a psychiatric PA who has carved her own path from speech therapy to advanced psychiatric care. Together, they explore the art and science of ketamine therapy, blending clinical precision with human vulnerability. Hear Sarah’s reflections on integrating CBT with ketamine-assisted treatment, navigating the emotional challenges of the PA profession, and building mentorship-driven, compassionate care. Whether you’re a clinician or simply curious about the future of psychiatry, this episode delivers insight, authenticity, and hope.

In this episode of The Mindset Matters Podcast, psychiatric PAs Mercedes Dodge and Jessica Spissinger dive into the fascinating journey of ketamine—from its origins as a battlefield anesthetic during the Vietnam War to its modern role as a rapid-acting antidepressant transforming mental health care. They unpack the differences between racemic ketamine and esketamine (Spravato®), discuss their use in treating depression, anxiety, PTSD, and chronic pain, and examine the evidence behind ketamine-assisted psychotherapy. The conversation explores how this once-controversial drug evolved from party stigma to clinical promise, highlighting mechanisms of action, dosing routes, safety considerations, side effects, and regulatory frameworks that guide its use today. You’ll also hear insights on combining ketamine with therapy to enhance long-term outcomes, myths and misconceptions, and what clinicians need to know before integrating ketamine into practice. Whether you’re a PA, clinician, or mental-health enthusiast, this episode offers a balanced, practical, and evidence-based look at one of psychiatry’s most exciting frontiers.

Two psych PAs—Mercedes Dodge, PA-C, CAQ-Psych and Jessica Spissinger, PA-C—sit down with Kathryn Werner, PA-C, owner of White Pine Mental Health & Wellness and senior consultant at CPACteam.com, to explore her journey from disliking her psychiatry rotation to building a purpose-driven practice that thrives on clinical depth and compassion. Kathryn shares how the PA generalist mindset sharpens psychiatric assessment, why niche marketing can transform a private practice, and how to deliver OCD care that truly works through proper dosing, exposure-response alignment, and patient education. The conversation also covers practical strategies for polypharmacy decision-making, navigating state-by-state legislative and payer challenges, and creating a sustainable approach to self-care—from boundary setting to Kathryn’s now-famous “enriched bathroom break.”

Join Jessica Spissinger and Mercedes Dodge as they dive into the emerging science of Lifestyle Psychiatry — where evidence-based medicine meets everyday habits. In this episode, they unpack the six pillars of lifestyle psychiatry: physical activity, nutrition, restorative sleep, stress management, toxic exposure reduction, and social connectedness. Discover how these pillars can transform care for conditions like depression, anxiety, ADHD, and more. You’ll also hear insights into related fields like nutritional and metabolic psychiatry, plus key studies and practical strategies for integrating lifestyle interventions into mental health practice.

Tune in for an engaging, research-informed discussion that highlights holistic, person-centered approaches to mental wellness — designed for both clinicians and anyone passionate about mental health.

In this engaging episode of Mindset Matters, we are joined by Kat Astrup, a dedicated PA with extensive experience in family medicine and psychiatry. Kat also hosts her own podcast, 'PA the FI Way,' where she discusses medicine, finances, and living a balanced life. Kat shares her journey from learning about the PA profession after an ACL injury to her educational path at Des Moines University and her transition from family medicine to psychiatry. Kat opens up about experiencing burnout, discovering financial independence, and the importance of self-care. Tune in to learn about her insights on dealing with mental health in busy professional lives, the importance of supportive professional networks, and practical tips for achieving a focused, fulfilling career in healthcare.

Join us in this mini-mindset episode as we dive deeply into the history, development, and modern-day relevance of Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) in clinical practice. From their origins in the 1950s as accidental discoveries from hydrazine compounds to their niche use today, we explore the myths, misconceptions, and clinical implications of these 'relics' of psychiatry. Learn about the various MAOIs, their discovery stories, pharmacological effects, and the impact they had—and continue to have—on the field of psychotropic medications. Whether you're a healthcare professional or a curious learner, this episode sheds light on the importance of understanding the history and evolution of psychiatric medications.

Join us as we speak with Rita Rose, PA-C, a child & adolescent psychiatry PA whose journey spans multiple states and now Italy. She shares her path from novice to advocate, insights on parenting, lifestyle’s role in mental health, and advice for aspiring PAs. Hear how she stays active in advocacy and education despite distance, and why fostering independence, creativity, and mindfulness matters.